Carolyn Fostel

Throughout her life, Carolyn Fostel channeled her substantial talents and energy into raising funds for North Shore University Hospital.  Whether it was co-creating the Hospital’s 35th Anniversary Celebrate Life quilt project or helping to expand its reach throughout the community, she was especially proud of the hospital’s pursuit of excellence in every aspect of medical care.

Sadly, Carolyn lost her valiant 10-year battle with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) at the age of 62.  Ever grateful to North Shore University Hospital, where she was treated in the Palliative Care Unit, she included a bequest in her will to support the Monter Cancer Center and the critical healthcare needs of its patients. Her philanthropic efforts extended to educational and religious institutions, and the Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN); she also established a scholarship fund at Christ the King High School.

A successful businesswoman and educator, Carolyn was a graduate of Fordham University and St. John’s University, where she was an adjunct English professor. An assistant vice president of community relations and marketing at Astoria Federal Savings, she founded the bank’s “Kids Tools for School” program, providing back-to-school supplies to disadvantaged Long Island children.

An Oyster Bay resident, Carolyn was an avid Francophile, who frequently traveled to Paris to enjoy Impressionist art and antiques.  She was a memorabilia collector renowned for her wedding cake topper collection, and for her writing on Victorian-era subject matter.  

Carolyn’s bequest to the North Shore-LIJ Health System reflects her life-long legacy and commitment to bringing joy and compassion to the lives of others.

For more information about leaving a legacy, please contact Alexandra P. Brovey, JD, LLM, Senior Director, Gift Planning at 516-465-2610 or abrovey@nshs.edu